Instructions

Step 1

You are basically going to build two mini floors for this project. The top floor need to be built as shown above.

The bottom floor you can skip the center joists (minimal weight on bottom shelf)

Use glue and 3″ self tapping screws to build the framing. You can also use pocket holes if you have a Kreg Jig, on the 1-1/2" setting with 2-1/2" pocket hole screws.

Step 2

Decking

Screw the plywood to the top of the 2x4s with glue.

Step 3

Corner Angles

This step is just because I have an old school washer and dryer that stomps out of the laundry room whenever I overloaded it. But the angles are cheap and will make your life easier. Screw down with 2″ screws.

Step 4

Attach Legs

Attach the legs to the top (the floor with the center supports) and screw down. If you can, add a few screws at an angle in as well.

Step 5

Place the second "floor" on the 4x4s and screw through the 3/4" plywood into the undersides of the 4x4 legs. At least three screws per leg is recommended.

Step 6

Trim

Cut trim to fit and attach around legs to fancy up the base (optional)

Step 7

Additional Bracing

If you find your base needs more support here are a few quick fixes -

Cover the entire back in 3/4" plywood or MDF scraps from the build, glue and screw every 4" approximately to the 4x4 legs and the 2x4 framing with 3" self tapping screws.

Attach the 2x4s framing to studs in the walls

Finishing Instructions

Finish Used

Sausha trimmed everything out with another layer of MDF. If you are good with a table saw this can really give you that finished look. Otherwise, I recommend patience, and a whole tub of wood filler. More details on Sausha’s finish here.

Thanks Sausha!

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Comments

These are excellent instructions! Very well designed and made. For those looking for a platform that also includes drawers, I just finished making a platform for my front loader (LG) washer & dryer and have included a link to my DIY instructions and pics below. The drawers are deep and wide and come in handy for supplies or just dumping the clothes into when there's no laundry basket nearby. My laundry room is on the 1st floor entry way to the garage so I'm not sure about vibrations if it were on the 2nd floor. We installed it a few weeks ago and haven't had a single squeak, rattle, or vibration from the platform. So if you decide to make one yourself you can certainly re-enforce it as strong as you need (braces, long wood screws, thicker wood, etc.).

I love this look, and my husband made this for me for Valentines Day! Love it. However there is a pretty big design flaw. My washing machine almost rattled the platform apart. (and we did have a repairman come out to make sure it was not the machine) We have had to add extra stabilizers to keep the washer from moving around. A few extra legs and something to keep the entire platform from moving from side to side. Still Love It! But I would suggest you add a little something more to keep everything stable...

Sadly, I already have pedestals, otherwise I'd build these in a heartbeat. LOVE them. We had to put in extra supports for our hard wood floors on our main floor laundry room when we installed our front loads. Felt like we had earthquakes happening on our 24" center joists. Since our basement ceiling was a drop ceiling that was ok. Also, just ordered and received: Silent Feet. After doing some research and reading some reviews, from VibrationSolutions.com. I'm not affiliated with them, but my husband manages a machine shop and recommended these to absorb the vibration. Since they'll raise the height of the washer, and that would tweek out my anal tendencies, I got a set for the dryer too. Shipped quickly, both sets and shipping were around $75. If it saves my glassware and stemware from chipping from jingling together and my teeth from bouncy around, I'd think it's a great solution.

Tiffany: A single board while it is the same thickness as plywood is not necessarily as strong as plywood since the plywood is glued together and typically is stronger for the same thickness as a piece of soft wood like pine, If you used oak that could be cool, but REALLY expensive. If you found used tongue and groove flooring that would be stronger.

I absolutely cannot wait to tackle this project. I am a complete NEWBIE and this will be my first project. Luckily i will have GREAT HELP. I am just a little worried about getting it perfectly level because my washer shakes enough as it is right now but we will make it work! :)

Thank you so much Ana, i was just introduced to your blog and i am so HOOKED!

I have had my front load set up on pedestals for ten years with never a problem. Mine are just plain plywood, but since we are thinking of downsizing i would LOVE to build this! Also Ana, you could fix a front loader no problem, I have changed a pump and a belt in mine easy peazy, so don't shy from them for that.